Safety measures for conducting exercise oxygen consumption, VO₂, tests in developing countries

Measurements of rate of oxygen consumption (VO₂) recorded during controlled exercise is used to assess cardiovascular health in test individuals. In low- or middle-income countries, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis is common and older VO₂ systems are in use, three specific preventative measures should be in place to prevent the transmission of tuberculosis. These include: (1) disinfecting reusable plastic masks and rubber tubing with bleach solution; (2) limiting maximum exposure of test individuals to Cl₂ gas to <1-3 ppm for a duration of ≤15 min to prevent respiratory distress; and (3) carefully inspecting for degradation of plastic VO₂ masks and rubber tubing repeatedly disinfected with bleach and replace these at the first signs of deterioration.